How to Surf in Atlantic Andalucia, Spain

Andalucia is the sun-drenched southern portion of Spain. The birthplace of flamenco, paella and tapas, when you think of classic Spain, you’re thinking of Andalucia. Though it is all one region, the surf of the area can vary widely. The Atlantic side (addressed in this article) sits west of the Rock of Gibraltar and the tip of the African peninsula, handles waves from the ocean and can get really big. The Mediterranean side (addressed in another article) faces the sea and tends to be smaller.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Car
• Map
• Spanish Phrasebook

1. Start your trip at Playa del Puerco. The long sandbars and strong currents of Playa del Puerco create fast and hollow waves that are rarely crowded. The clean water and cliffs that shelter the beach and waves from wind surprisingly haven’t made this spot more popular, either with beachgoers or surfers. Watch for a strong riptide.
2. Move on to El Palmar. Like Playa del Puerco, the underlying sandbars play a huge roll in shaping these gorgeous waves. Unlike Playa del Puerco, however, the sandbars of El Palmar are anchored between reefs and patches of rock, which means they stay still and constant. Because of the underwater topography, El Palmar is always working. Luckily, it is a long beach and gives the crowd room to spread out.
3. Catch a tube at Yerabuena. A righthanded reefbreak, Yerabuena can get really fast with the right winds. Big walls and barrels make the locals protective of this spot, especially because it doesn’t break too often, but they are generally welcoming as long as you respect them.
4. Find waves at Punta Paloma when everywhere else is mush. Long and peeling, this righthanded wave has perfect waves when storms batter the coast and blow out the other spots. Punta Paloma works at most other times as well and there are a few spots nearby that prevent overcrowding. Park in the pine forest by the military base and walk 10 minutes to the shore.

Tips & Warnings

• Many other spots break in this area. However, a car is essential to find them.
• The nearest airports are Cádiz or Seville.
• Surfing can be dangerous or evenly deadly. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your equipment before surfing.
• When exploring new spots, respect the locals, and make sure that you are constantly aware of your surroundings. Conditions can change very quickly.